Nursery Practitioner

The Old Station Nursery; Dacorum; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free childcare

Discount on hours

Holiday entitlement

National College access

Volunteer day

Perkbox discounts

Blue Light Card

Long-service awards

Job summary

The Old Station Nursery Group in Berkhamsted is seeking a friendly Nursery Practitioner to join our team. You’ll help children learn through play, support their development, and create a safe, caring environment without requiring an Early Years qualification.

We value enthusiasm, kindness, and a willingness to learn. You’ll work 40 hours a week, with a focus on safeguarding and collaborative teamwork, and enjoy a range of staff benefits as part of our supportive community.

Qualifications

• No Early Years qualification required.
• Experience in childcare is beneficial but not essential.
• Willingness to learn and grow.
• Commitment to safeguarding and inclusion.

Responsibilities

• Create a welcoming, inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued.
• Plan and deliver play-based activities that follow children’s interests and support their learning.
• Build your understanding of the EYFS and how it shapes everyday practice.
• Notice and celebrate children’s progress, contributing to observations and records with guidance from colleagues.
• Build positive relationships with families and share updates about children’s days.
• Support everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and kindness.
• Follow safeguarding, safety, and hygiene procedures, asking for guidance whenever you’re unsure.
• Share ideas, lend a hand, and learn alongside your colleagues.

Skills

Kindness

Curiosity

Learning mindset

Team player

Reliability

Observation skills

Job description

Join Our Team as a Nursery Practitioner

Bring your curiosity and care -and discover where Early Years could take you

At The Old Station Nursery, we believe everyone is still growing -little humans and big humans alike. As a Nursery Practitioner at Berkhamsted, you’ll help children learn through play, build their confidence, and feel safe and cared for.

You don’t need an Early Years qualification to get started. Bring your enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to learn, and you’ll find colleagues ready to share their knowledge and help you grow.

Why Join Our Team?

We take care of the people who care for our children and families. Here’s what that means for you:

• Childcare support: Free childcare for your first month, followed by a 52% discount based on your working hours.

• Time to recharge: 31 days of holiday, including national bank holidays, plus your birthday off and an extra day after 3 years of service.

• Space to grow: Access to The National College, with a library of courses and training to develop your practice and leadership.

• Connection to your community: One paid day each year to volunteer and support a cause that matters to you.

• Everyday support: With access to Perkbox, enjoy discounts on shopping, meals out, and everyday essentials, alongside wellbeing tools and online medical services. You’ll also be eligible for a Blue Light Card, helping your money go further with even more discounts.

• Recognition along the way: We celebrate the care and commitment you bring, with Employee of the Month recognition, long-service awards to mark your milestones, and referral bonuses for introducing friends or family to our team.

Pay:Up to £26,436 per Annum based on experience
Hours: 40 hours a week between 7.30am and 6.30pmMonday - Friday

Location

Sunhill Day Nursery Berkhamsted, Spring Garden Lane
Off Shooters Way
Berkhamsted
Hertfordshire
HP4 3GY

Where You'll Be Working

Our semi-rural location in Berkhamsted, conveniently located just 5 minutes from the A41 and 10 minutes from the train station, the nursery is on the outskirts of Berkhamsted village with ample parking for the team. It is the perfect backdrop for a nursery that focuses on the natural environment and learning opportunities within it. Come and meet the team, have a tour of our nursery in Berkhamsted and learn about what makes our nursery so special.

What You'll Be Doing

Working alongside experienced colleagues, you’ll help create a welcoming nursery day filled with play, discovery, and caring routines.

One moment you might be joining in with imaginative play or helping children explore paint and textures. The next, you could be offering reassurance, helping with lunchtime, or celebrating a new achievement.

With support from your team, you’ll:

• Create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels welcome and valued

• Help plan and deliver play-based activities that follow children’s interests and support their learning

• Build your understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and how it shapes everyday practice

• Notice and celebrate children’s progress, contributing to observations and records with guidance from colleagues

• Build positive relationships with families and share updates about children’s days

• Support everyday routines, including meals, personal care, and rest, with patience and kindness

• Follow safeguarding, safety, and hygiene procedures, asking for guidance whenever you’re unsure

• Share ideas, lend a hand, and learn alongside your colleagues

Our values are simple: Own it. Be human. Make it happen. In your role, that means being reliable, treating others with care, and getting involved while recognising when to ask for support.

What We’re Looking For

No qualifications are required for this role. Previous experience working in a childcare setting would be beneficial, but isn’t essential.

You’ll bring:

• A genuine interest in working with children and supporting their development

• Kindness, patience, and a willingness to see things from a child’s perspective

• Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning new skills

• A reliable approach and the ability to work closely with others

• Openness to feedback and the confidence to ask questions

• A commitment to keeping children safe and helping them feel included

Whether you’re exploring Early Years for the first time or bringing experience from another childcare setting, we’d love to hear what you could bring to our community.

Please note: we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this role.

The Old Station Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and we expect all applicants to share this commitment. All roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks, satisfactory references, verification of your right to work in the UK, and any essential qualifications. If successful, our Onboarding Team will guide you through every step of the onboarding process. We are proud to be an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments will be considered to support fairness and accessibility for all candidates. This role involves regulated activity with children.